Holidays & Short Breaks

Whether you live in the UK and you’re looking for a staycation near London, or you’re coming from abroad, Essex is the ideal place to make lasting memories with family, friends, or on a solo trip.

Why Visit Essex?

Essex is a beautiful part of the UK with 350 miles of coastline and a breathtaking open countryside, as well as exciting towns and cities with plenty to see and do. Essex is known to be the sunniest and driest county in the UK, making it perfect for a summer staycation near London to escape the colder, wetter areas of the country.

Coastal & Rural Breaks in Essex

If you’re looking to breathe in some fresh sea air or explore the hidden hills of the countryside, then Essex is perfect for your next holiday. Travel to Southend-on-Sea, where you can stay in the Roslin Beach Hotel with stunning views of the coast and walk along the world’s longest pier or take a trip to Saffron Walden and stay in the Great Sampford B&B, visit Audley End House & Gardens and enjoy a delicious pub lunch at The Eight Bells.

City Breaks & Towns in Essex

Did you know that Essex is home to Britain's first city? Colchester is under an hour train journey from London and is crawling with rich history and heritage dating back to its Roman roots. Chelmsford and Brentwood are two other notable locations in Essex, packed with great restaurants, shops, things to do, and sights to see.

Check out our pages on places to stay and things to do and start planning your short break in Essex. For further inspiration, take a look at our itineraries.